“Regarding the P22 increase in the minimum wage, it is really insufficient. As you can see, the increase in prices of basic commodities is really high and not all employees—especially those who are under monthly contract, such as call center agents and office workers like us—are covered by the increase. As a worker, I agree that there must be a legislated wage increase. But it must be really substantial in order to ease our already heavy economic burden,” says Catherine Turqueza Bantoy, a tutor from Mandaluyong City.

Dr. Eleanor Jara, a general physician and currently the executive director of the CHD said that contrary to the claims of Col. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 202nd IB-PA the abducted health and medical professionals were all volunteer of different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and not by any means, connected with the communist rebels.

The Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) is calling for the sacking of Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost), Assistant Post Master General for Human Resource Development and Training Oscar Lazo, for allegedly threatening union officials critical of him and for graft and corruption.